Chatham-Kent International Film Festival 2025
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Chatham-Kent International Film Festival (CKIFF) 2025
October 24-26, 2025
The Chatham-Kent International Film Festival is back and bigger than ever! We’ve been thrilled by a record-breaking number of submissions this year, and after careful review, we’re proud to present an outstanding lineup of films that showcase incredible talent and creativity. The competition was fierce, and the quality of entries truly raised the bar — making this year’s nominees a must-see. Get ready for three unforgettable days of storytelling, innovation, and cinematic celebration.
**there will be no single movie blocks**
CKIFF Friday Pass $10.00 (includes 2 showings)
The CKIFF Friday Pass includes both a 7:00 pm and a 9:30 pm film showing at the Kiwanis Theatre. Films listed below:
CKIFF Saturday Pass $15.00 (includes 3 showings)
The CKIFF Saturday Pass includes a 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm, and a 6:00 pm film showing at the Kiwanis Theatre. Films listed below:
*NOTE* This does not include the showing of Nightmare on Elm Street at 10:00pm
CKIFF Sunday Pass $15.00 (includes 3 showings)
The CKIFF Sunday Pass includes a 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm, and a 6:00 pm film showing at the Kiwanis Theatre. Films listed below. A final awards ceremony will conclude the day after the 6:00 pm film.
CKIFF Weekend Pass $40.00 (includes all 8 regular showings plus the showing of Nightmare on Elm Street)
The CKIFF Weekend Pass includes all 8 films from Friday to Sunday as well as the special 10:00 pm showing of Nightmare on Elm Street.
Nightmare on Elm Street Showing – $10.00
Join us for a 10:00 pm showing of the 1984 cult classic – Nightmare on Elm Street. Come in costume for a chance to win a prize!
Nancy is having nightmares about a frightening, badly-scarred figure who wears a glove with razor-sharp “finger knives”. She soon discovers that her friends are having similar dreams. When the kids begin to die, Nancy realizes that she must stay awake to survive. Uncovering the secret identity of the dream killer and his connection with the children of Elm Street, the girl plots to draw him out into the real world.
Film Schedule
Friday, October 24, 2025
7:00 pm
We Lend a Hand: The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes – Canada – “We Lend a Hand: The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes” is an uplifting documentary that tells the extraordinary story of the 40,000 young women who volunteered on Canadian farms and helped win the Second World War.
Cheryl – Canada – A look at homelessness through the eyes of Cheryl following her murder.
9:30 pm
Patient 45 – Canada – An escaped test subject with telekinetic powers fights to survive against relentless pursuers in a final bid for freedom.
Levels – Canada – Trapped in an elevator with a wanted individual, a timid office worker reveals his true identity as a skilled fighter, protecting a briefcase that holds more than just paperwork.
Steel Town – Canada – A criminal seeks revenge for a crime he never committed.
Oversteer – Singapore – A teenager gives up everything and leaves home and tries to succeed as a car mechanic/racer against all odds.
Saturday, October 25, 2025
10:00 am
THE CHATHAM-KENT YOUTH FILM AWARDS
Out of Touch
Return to Objective
Mephisto
Fallen
Drafting
The Language of the Universe
Bad Bushka
Waves and Legends
DING!
Fade Away
The Watchman
Pages of Promise
They Seek
Candidate 33
Cat & Fish
12:00 pm
A Farewell to Youth – Canada – A washed-up screenwriter, desperately clinging to his fading youth, is forced to confront the realities of fatherhood when his estranged, pregnant teenage daughter unexpectedly appears on his doorstep, seeking his help.
2:30 pm
Neried – Canada – A mysterious woman escapes from an abusive relationship with earth shattering results.
Firecrow – Canada – Two farm workers are tasked with moving a cryptic scarecrow one day, which unbeknownst to them, has been afflicted with a powerful curse.
Another Round – Canada – A woman walks into a lively bar with her friends, laughing and determined to enjoy a carefree night. As she orders a drink, she suddenly locks eyes with him – the one she thought she left behind. Across the room, he hesitates, then smirks, as if fate had played its hand once again. Despite her friends’ whispered warnings and exchanged glances, the attraction is undeniable. Through stolen glances, playful banter, and slow-burning tension, the two find themselves drawn back together- just like old times. The jukebox plays their song, the neon lights blur, and memories come rushing back. One drink turns into two, a flirtatious dance turns into a deep, knowing gaze, and before they know it, they’re lost in each other again. As the night fades into the early hours, they leave the bar together with the same reckless passion that always brings them back. They know how this ends, but tonight, they don’t care. One last round … or maybe more.
Alterations – Canada – A single mom turns to vigilantism and makes unlikely friends when she doesn’t get the help she needs from the police to find her missing daughter.
6:00 pm
Before the Dawn – Canada, Poland, Portugal, Swaziland, Ukraine – Set in a picturesque Ukrainian village in the midst of the 19th century, the film revolves around themes of love, loss, despair, and hope. In the heart of a young girl, true love blossomed, which, however, led to the darkest night in her life… The story that repeats from generation to generation. Will the young, vulnerable soul manage to break this vicious cycle?
The Caretaker – United Kingdom – The Caretaker is a character-driven horror-thriller set at Lockbridge Academy, an isolated school on the coast, run by the powerful aristocratic Aberdeen family. Eddie, a mute, burdened with caring for his cruel ailing mother. While on the cusp of losing his home, he takes a caretaker position at Lockbridge. There, he meets a cleaner named Marie, sparking a connection that will alter the trajectory of his life, while unravelling a sinister mystery lurking within the school, that could shatter the Aberdeen’s family legacy forever.
10:00 pm
The Morgue – Islamic Republic of Iran – A zombie girl comes out of the morgue and is horrified by a terrifying sight.
Midnight Snack – Canada – Hunger always strikes in the dead of night.
Heartworm – Canada – A young man finds himself in a world of grief and pain after he discovers that his body is host to a parasite.
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET
Sunday, October 26, 2025
12:00 pm
Ghariba & Ajeeb – United Arab Emirates – In this story, the girl Ghariba embarks on a journey to find her friend Ajeeb and to find a way to cross a river guarded by a crocodile.
Tony D’Souza – Canada – Sudhir “Tony” D’Souza is a pediatrician living in London, Ontario. As he deals with kids and their serious mental health issues, Tony uses gardening to decompress. His plants are actually his kids and he feels they compel him to be a better man – and a better professional.
Red Barn – Canada – Red Barn Brewing opened its doors in July 2020 after years of dreaming, building, and planning. Opening a Craft Brewery during a pandemic was not the plan, however the community of Blenheim, Ontario rallied to make the opening a success. At their 5 year anniversary, the founders and staff of Red Barn take a look back at the road that has lead to this important milestone, and the community that helped them get there.
Little Orange Bandages – Canada – An experimental short film presenting a spoken word performance by a young Indigenous person expressing their frustration with the lack of meaningful reconciliation.
I Am Gitxsan – Canada – “I Am Gitxsan” follows Phoenix Apperloo, a recent high school graduate reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage in Hazelton, British Columbia, Canada. Inspired by encounters with residential school survivors, he writes a heartfelt letter to Prime Minister Trudeau about the injustices faced by his people. The documentary highlights the impact of colonialism on the Gitxsan community, featuring insights from experts like Dr Gabor Maté and showcasing their resilience through protests and legal actions. It culminates with a moving message of hope and determination, emphasizing the power of the Gitxsan people’s enduring spirit, the beauties of their culture, and their commitment to future generations.
2:30 pm
Now I Am Bear – Canada – A disillusioned man makes the very normal and logical choice to abandon human society and become a bear.
Bikelash – Canada – After bike lanes were added to Lancaster, chaos erupts in the once-peaceful community.
Accursed – Canada – Two friends investigate weird happenings deep in the woods.
Deep Southwest – Canada – Deep Southwest, a husband and wife country band, try to earn a spot in the coveted Hawaiian Pizza Festival in their rural community of Chatham – Kent, Ontario. Without 10 thousand followers (on the web, not real life stalkers, a very important distinction) the Gen Z promoters won’t let them play. Follow the band as they try to gain followers and become internet famous in their small town. Will they find Pizza Fest glory, or will they be left with the discarded crust off a cold dry pizza?
The Screenwriter – Italy – A screenwriter is grappling with a new story: a noir with echoes of John Huston. A priceless object, a killer, a dead man, and a femme fatale all play their part in a metacinematic homage.
Lights Out (Love & Class Warfare) – United States of America – ONE FALL’s “Lights Out (Love and Class Warfare)” is a fast-paced, genre-bending music video that blends live punk energy, chaotic D&D gameplay, and cardboard fantasy heroics in the woods.
It’s from their newest EP album Cut & Run, and captures the band’s signature mix of melody, muscle, and sharp-tongued hooks — with gang vocals you’ll be shouting for days.
Three Piece Suit – Canada – Music Hick Hop video of Three Piece Suit from the series Deep Southwest.
Walk With Me Through the Fire – United Kingdom – Spaghetti Western meets horror music video from slide blues guitarist and friends.
Callback – Canada – Josephine and her best friend Becca read for each other’s self-tapes every week. Even though Josephine submits more auditions, Becca books first, which makes Josephine feel threatened as an artist. Josephine starts making self-tapes without Becca, and gets a callback! But when an unexpected guest comes to the callback, Josephine has to decide whether friendship or validation will prevail.
Limbo’s Glance – Canada – Jack wakes up in an unfamiliar place after getting into a vehicle collision.
Scratch – Canada – After breaking his camera during a game of basketball, Junior struggles to maintain his friendship with his fellow players.
We will not Sleep Tonight – France – How far will you go for your art? One director must test his morality for his film.
Desire – Canada – In the quiet of suburbia, love’s absence breeds the deadliest desires. A powerful couple orchestrates seduction and murder at intimate dinner parties, unravelling the facade of her marriage and revealing the chilling depths of human desire. Desire is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the dangerous allure of temptation and the terrifying consequences of giving in to ones darkest impulses. With its seductive charm and spine-tingling suspense, this film will leave audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.
6:00 pm
Emma – Canada – Two women, associated through addiction are spiraling downwards. In a rare moment of clarity, nearing the end of their salvageable lives, Emma remembers a long-forgotten ‘secret stash’ of money she and her grandmother kept for an emergency. Embarking on a quest for this treasure – this perceived salvation – they find instead an offer of redemption. Strength can be discovered in the face of overwhelming adversity. We have the capacity to adapt and endure when confronted with life-or-death situations. Emma embodies this journey, this struggle, and ultimately, this choice.
Serenity – Canada – A funeral home employee must put her own personal struggles aside to help a grieving woman who just lost her daughter.
Nika & Madison – Canada – Madison, an ambitious University of Toronto student, is sexually assaulted by a predatory policeman while visiting her hometown. Childhood friend Nika, who still lives on the reserve, intervenes to save her, but the violent encounter leaves the officer critically injured. Fearing they won’t be believed, the two young Indigenous women go on the run. First seeking refuge on the reserve and then deep within the Canadian wilderness, until they’re chased back to downtown Toronto. Two sharp-eyed detectives begin to uncover the truth and see the women were likely acting in self-defense. However, when the case involves one of their own, the justice system reveals its deeply ingrained biases, blurring the lines between right and wrong. This tense and emotionally charged story examines themes of resilience, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond of shared roots.
Events Details
Organizer
Chatham-Kent International Film Festival (CKIFF) 2025
October 24-26, 2025
The Chatham-Kent International Film Festival is back and bigger than ever! We’ve been thrilled by a record-breaking number of submissions this year, and after careful review, we’re proud to present an outstanding lineup of films that showcase incredible talent and creativity. The competition was fierce, and the quality of entries truly raised the bar — making this year’s nominees a must-see. Get ready for three unforgettable days of storytelling, innovation, and cinematic celebration.
**there will be no single movie blocks**
CKIFF Friday Pass $10.00 (includes 2 showings)
The CKIFF Friday Pass includes both a 7:00 pm and a 9:30 pm film showing at the Kiwanis Theatre. Films listed below:
CKIFF Saturday Pass $15.00 (includes 3 showings)
The CKIFF Saturday Pass includes a 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm, and a 6:00 pm film showing at the Kiwanis Theatre. Films listed below:
*NOTE* This does not include the showing of Nightmare on Elm Street at 10:00pm
CKIFF Sunday Pass $15.00 (includes 3 showings)
The CKIFF Sunday Pass includes a 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm, and a 6:00 pm film showing at the Kiwanis Theatre. Films listed below. A final awards ceremony will conclude the day after the 6:00 pm film.
CKIFF Weekend Pass $40.00 (includes all 8 regular showings plus the showing of Nightmare on Elm Street)
The CKIFF Weekend Pass includes all 8 films from Friday to Sunday as well as the special 10:00 pm showing of Nightmare on Elm Street.
Nightmare on Elm Street Showing – $10.00
Join us for a 10:00 pm showing of the 1984 cult classic – Nightmare on Elm Street. Come in costume for a chance to win a prize!
Nancy is having nightmares about a frightening, badly-scarred figure who wears a glove with razor-sharp “finger knives”. She soon discovers that her friends are having similar dreams. When the kids begin to die, Nancy realizes that she must stay awake to survive. Uncovering the secret identity of the dream killer and his connection with the children of Elm Street, the girl plots to draw him out into the real world.
Film Schedule
Friday, October 24, 2025
7:00 pm
We Lend a Hand: The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes – Canada – “We Lend a Hand: The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes” is an uplifting documentary that tells the extraordinary story of the 40,000 young women who volunteered on Canadian farms and helped win the Second World War.
Cheryl – Canada – A look at homelessness through the eyes of Cheryl following her murder.
9:30 pm
Patient 45 – Canada – An escaped test subject with telekinetic powers fights to survive against relentless pursuers in a final bid for freedom.
Levels – Canada – Trapped in an elevator with a wanted individual, a timid office worker reveals his true identity as a skilled fighter, protecting a briefcase that holds more than just paperwork.
Steel Town – Canada – A criminal seeks revenge for a crime he never committed.
Oversteer – Singapore – A teenager gives up everything and leaves home and tries to succeed as a car mechanic/racer against all odds.
Saturday, October 25, 2025
10:00 am
THE CHATHAM-KENT YOUTH FILM AWARDS
Out of Touch
Return to Objective
Mephisto
Fallen
Drafting
The Language of the Universe
Bad Bushka
Waves and Legends
DING!
Fade Away
The Watchman
Pages of Promise
They Seek
Candidate 33
Cat & Fish
12:00 pm
A Farewell to Youth – Canada – A washed-up screenwriter, desperately clinging to his fading youth, is forced to confront the realities of fatherhood when his estranged, pregnant teenage daughter unexpectedly appears on his doorstep, seeking his help.
2:30 pm
Neried – Canada – A mysterious woman escapes from an abusive relationship with earth shattering results.
Firecrow – Canada – Two farm workers are tasked with moving a cryptic scarecrow one day, which unbeknownst to them, has been afflicted with a powerful curse.
Another Round – Canada – A woman walks into a lively bar with her friends, laughing and determined to enjoy a carefree night. As she orders a drink, she suddenly locks eyes with him – the one she thought she left behind. Across the room, he hesitates, then smirks, as if fate had played its hand once again. Despite her friends’ whispered warnings and exchanged glances, the attraction is undeniable. Through stolen glances, playful banter, and slow-burning tension, the two find themselves drawn back together- just like old times. The jukebox plays their song, the neon lights blur, and memories come rushing back. One drink turns into two, a flirtatious dance turns into a deep, knowing gaze, and before they know it, they’re lost in each other again. As the night fades into the early hours, they leave the bar together with the same reckless passion that always brings them back. They know how this ends, but tonight, they don’t care. One last round … or maybe more.
Alterations – Canada – A single mom turns to vigilantism and makes unlikely friends when she doesn’t get the help she needs from the police to find her missing daughter.
6:00 pm
Before the Dawn – Canada, Poland, Portugal, Swaziland, Ukraine – Set in a picturesque Ukrainian village in the midst of the 19th century, the film revolves around themes of love, loss, despair, and hope. In the heart of a young girl, true love blossomed, which, however, led to the darkest night in her life… The story that repeats from generation to generation. Will the young, vulnerable soul manage to break this vicious cycle?
The Caretaker – United Kingdom – The Caretaker is a character-driven horror-thriller set at Lockbridge Academy, an isolated school on the coast, run by the powerful aristocratic Aberdeen family. Eddie, a mute, burdened with caring for his cruel ailing mother. While on the cusp of losing his home, he takes a caretaker position at Lockbridge. There, he meets a cleaner named Marie, sparking a connection that will alter the trajectory of his life, while unravelling a sinister mystery lurking within the school, that could shatter the Aberdeen’s family legacy forever.
10:00 pm
The Morgue – Islamic Republic of Iran – A zombie girl comes out of the morgue and is horrified by a terrifying sight.
Midnight Snack – Canada – Hunger always strikes in the dead of night.
Heartworm – Canada – A young man finds himself in a world of grief and pain after he discovers that his body is host to a parasite.
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET
Sunday, October 26, 2025
12:00 pm
Ghariba & Ajeeb – United Arab Emirates – In this story, the girl Ghariba embarks on a journey to find her friend Ajeeb and to find a way to cross a river guarded by a crocodile.
Tony D’Souza – Canada – Sudhir “Tony” D’Souza is a pediatrician living in London, Ontario. As he deals with kids and their serious mental health issues, Tony uses gardening to decompress. His plants are actually his kids and he feels they compel him to be a better man – and a better professional.
Red Barn – Canada – Red Barn Brewing opened its doors in July 2020 after years of dreaming, building, and planning. Opening a Craft Brewery during a pandemic was not the plan, however the community of Blenheim, Ontario rallied to make the opening a success. At their 5 year anniversary, the founders and staff of Red Barn take a look back at the road that has lead to this important milestone, and the community that helped them get there.
Little Orange Bandages – Canada – An experimental short film presenting a spoken word performance by a young Indigenous person expressing their frustration with the lack of meaningful reconciliation.
I Am Gitxsan – Canada – “I Am Gitxsan” follows Phoenix Apperloo, a recent high school graduate reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage in Hazelton, British Columbia, Canada. Inspired by encounters with residential school survivors, he writes a heartfelt letter to Prime Minister Trudeau about the injustices faced by his people. The documentary highlights the impact of colonialism on the Gitxsan community, featuring insights from experts like Dr Gabor Maté and showcasing their resilience through protests and legal actions. It culminates with a moving message of hope and determination, emphasizing the power of the Gitxsan people’s enduring spirit, the beauties of their culture, and their commitment to future generations.
2:30 pm
Now I Am Bear – Canada – A disillusioned man makes the very normal and logical choice to abandon human society and become a bear.
Bikelash – Canada – After bike lanes were added to Lancaster, chaos erupts in the once-peaceful community.
Accursed – Canada – Two friends investigate weird happenings deep in the woods.
Deep Southwest – Canada – Deep Southwest, a husband and wife country band, try to earn a spot in the coveted Hawaiian Pizza Festival in their rural community of Chatham – Kent, Ontario. Without 10 thousand followers (on the web, not real life stalkers, a very important distinction) the Gen Z promoters won’t let them play. Follow the band as they try to gain followers and become internet famous in their small town. Will they find Pizza Fest glory, or will they be left with the discarded crust off a cold dry pizza?
The Screenwriter – Italy – A screenwriter is grappling with a new story: a noir with echoes of John Huston. A priceless object, a killer, a dead man, and a femme fatale all play their part in a metacinematic homage.
Lights Out (Love & Class Warfare) – United States of America – ONE FALL’s “Lights Out (Love and Class Warfare)” is a fast-paced, genre-bending music video that blends live punk energy, chaotic D&D gameplay, and cardboard fantasy heroics in the woods.
It’s from their newest EP album Cut & Run, and captures the band’s signature mix of melody, muscle, and sharp-tongued hooks — with gang vocals you’ll be shouting for days.
Three Piece Suit – Canada – Music Hick Hop video of Three Piece Suit from the series Deep Southwest.
Walk With Me Through the Fire – United Kingdom – Spaghetti Western meets horror music video from slide blues guitarist and friends.
Callback – Canada – Josephine and her best friend Becca read for each other’s self-tapes every week. Even though Josephine submits more auditions, Becca books first, which makes Josephine feel threatened as an artist. Josephine starts making self-tapes without Becca, and gets a callback! But when an unexpected guest comes to the callback, Josephine has to decide whether friendship or validation will prevail.
Limbo’s Glance – Canada – Jack wakes up in an unfamiliar place after getting into a vehicle collision.
Scratch – Canada – After breaking his camera during a game of basketball, Junior struggles to maintain his friendship with his fellow players.
We will not Sleep Tonight – France – How far will you go for your art? One director must test his morality for his film.
Desire – Canada – In the quiet of suburbia, love’s absence breeds the deadliest desires. A powerful couple orchestrates seduction and murder at intimate dinner parties, unravelling the facade of her marriage and revealing the chilling depths of human desire. Desire is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the dangerous allure of temptation and the terrifying consequences of giving in to ones darkest impulses. With its seductive charm and spine-tingling suspense, this film will leave audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.
6:00 pm
Emma – Canada – Two women, associated through addiction are spiraling downwards. In a rare moment of clarity, nearing the end of their salvageable lives, Emma remembers a long-forgotten ‘secret stash’ of money she and her grandmother kept for an emergency. Embarking on a quest for this treasure – this perceived salvation – they find instead an offer of redemption. Strength can be discovered in the face of overwhelming adversity. We have the capacity to adapt and endure when confronted with life-or-death situations. Emma embodies this journey, this struggle, and ultimately, this choice.
Serenity – Canada – A funeral home employee must put her own personal struggles aside to help a grieving woman who just lost her daughter.
Nika & Madison – Canada – Madison, an ambitious University of Toronto student, is sexually assaulted by a predatory policeman while visiting her hometown. Childhood friend Nika, who still lives on the reserve, intervenes to save her, but the violent encounter leaves the officer critically injured. Fearing they won’t be believed, the two young Indigenous women go on the run. First seeking refuge on the reserve and then deep within the Canadian wilderness, until they’re chased back to downtown Toronto. Two sharp-eyed detectives begin to uncover the truth and see the women were likely acting in self-defense. However, when the case involves one of their own, the justice system reveals its deeply ingrained biases, blurring the lines between right and wrong. This tense and emotionally charged story examines themes of resilience, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond of shared roots.